In this article

Burst Statistics vs. Google Analytics

Let’s take a deeper look at Burst Statistics, especially in the context of its offerings for WordPress users. We’re comparing Burst Statistics vs. Google Analytics to help you decide which tool fits your needs best.

What Is Burst Statistics?

Burst Statistics is a user-friendly web analytics tool, particularly popular among WordPress users. It offers two versions: a free plugin and a paid version called Burst Pro. It focuses on essential metrics while keeping user privacy in mind.

What Is Google Analytics?

Google Analytics is a robust and detailed analytics platform. It’s packed with features and offers deep insights into your website’s performance. However, it can be complex and might feel overwhelming for beginners.

Burst Statistics vs. Google Analytics

Ease of Use

Burst Statistics stands out for its simplicity. The free WordPress plugin is easy to install and provides essential metrics such as bounces, sessions, visitors, page views, and time on page. The interface is clean, making it accessible even for non-tech-savvy users.

Google Analytics, in contrast, is powerful but can be overwhelming. It offers a wealth of data and features, but it requires a steeper learning curve. For those new to analytics, navigating through its numerous options might be challenging at first.

Privacy Concerns

Burst Statistics is designed with privacy at its core. It does not track personal data and does not have access to the data as it is fully locally hosted, making GDPR compliance much simpler. This focus on privacy can give you peace of mind.

Google Analytics collects extensive data, including personal information, which can raise privacy concerns. Ensuring GDPR compliance requires more effort and attention.

Features

Burst Free provides:

  • Essential metrics (bounces, sessions, visitors, page views, time on page)
  • Tracking with or without cookies (Read: Why we do not recommend cookieless tracking)
  • Data comparison over different periods
  • Email reporting
  • Real-time data
  • Audience demographics and country insights
  • Traffic sources

 

Burst Pro (at $39 per year per site) adds:

 

Google Analytics offers:

  • Real-time data
  • Audience demographics
  • Traffic sources
  • User behavior flow
  • Conversion tracking
  • Custom reports
  • E-commerce tracking
  • Event tracking

 

While Google Analytics is incredibly feature-rich, Burst Statistics provides all the essential metrics most small to medium-sized websites need, with Burst Pro adding more advanced capabilities for a reasonable price.

Setup and Integration

Burst Statistics is easy to set up. The WordPress plugin can be installed with a few clicks, and configuration is straightforward.

Google Analytics requires a more involved setup. You need to create an account, generate tracking codes, and set up goals. It’s more complex but offers richer data in return.

Cost

Burst Free is free forever, with no limit on the number of visitors. It provides robust basic analytics without any cost.

Burst Pro costs $39 per year per site, offering advanced features at a reasonable price.

Google Analytics offers a free version with extensive features. However, for large enterprises needing advanced functionalities, Google Analytics 360 is available but can be quite expensive.

Who Should Use What?

Burst Statistics Free is perfect if you:

  • Want essential metrics with minimal setup
  • Value user privacy
  • Need quick and clear insights

 

Burst Pro is ideal if you:

  • Value user privacy
  • Need more advanced tracking and reporting features
  • Want to set up multiple goals and conversion tracking
  • Are looking for a cost-effective and scalable solution

 

Google Analytics is best if you:

  • Require detailed and comprehensive analysis
  • Need advanced custom reports and e-commerce tracking
  • Are ready to invest time in learning the tool

 

Conclusion

Both Burst Statistics and Google Analytics have their strengths. Burst Statistics is straightforward, privacy-focused, and comes with a very affordable Pro version for advanced needs. Google Analytics offers deep, detailed insights but requires more effort to set up and master.

So, which one suits your needs? Simple and privacy-focused, or powerful but complex? The choice is yours!